Dried Persimmon, Wood Ear Mushroom and Fig Soup

Why people make this soup

Autumn is persimmon season, and dried persimmons (shi bing) are a classic pantry staple in Cantonese households. Beyond their sweet, chewy appeal, dried persimmons have been used for generations in food therapy to address digestive and respiratory complaints. This three-ingredient soup is one of Bro Niu’s simplest recommendations for anyone troubled by hemorrhoids — whether internal or external — particularly when bleeding or discomfort flares up. Paired with wood ear mushrooms (which nourish and move the blood, and support bowel regularity) and dried figs (a gentle digestive aid), the combination is easy to prepare and remarkably soothing.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• People experiencing hemorrhoid discomfort, rectal bleeding, or irregular bowel movements
• Also considered beneficial for hepatitis patients as a supportive food
• Diabetics should avoid this soup — dried persimmons are high in natural sugar
• Do not eat persimmons with crab — a traditional food-combining caution in Chinese medicine
• This soup can be made savory (add lean pork) or sweet (add rock sugar) according to preference
• Do not eat dried persimmons on an empty stomach

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Dried persimmons (shi bing): Beyond the fruit, the white powdery bloom on the surface (called shi shuang) is traditionally used to soothe sore throats, dry throats, and mouth ulcers. The fruit itself is associated with lubricating the lungs, alleviating chronic bronchitis, and reducing bleeding from hemorrhoids; it is also thought to help clear alcohol toxins and support healthy blood pressure
• Wood ear mushrooms (hei mu er): Traditionally valued for nourishing the blood, improving circulation, lowering cholesterol, and supporting healthy blood pressure; its slippery texture also lubricates the intestines and promotes healthy bowel movements
• Dried figs (wu hua guo): A gentle digestive aid that helps purify the intestines and relieve constipation; combined with the other two ingredients, helps keep the bowels moving smoothly

Ingredients (3 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Dried persimmons	2 pieces	Rinse and cut into chunks
Dried wood ear mushrooms	3 pieces	Soak until soft, remove stems, shred coarsely
Dried figs	4 pieces	Rinse and halve
Water	7 bowls (~1.75 L)	To cook down to 3 bowls
Optional: lean pork	150–200 g	For a savory version
Optional: rock sugar	to taste	For a sweet version

Method

1. Soak the dried wood ear mushrooms in warm water for 20–30 minutes until fully softened. Remove the tough stems and shred into coarse strips.
2. Rinse the dried persimmons and cut into bite-sized chunks.
3. Rinse the dried figs and halve them.
4. (If making the savory version, blanch lean pork slices in boiling water first.)
5. Combine all ingredients with 7 bowls of water in a pot.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium-low simmer and cook for 40 minutes until the liquid reduces to about 3 bowls.
7. If making a sweet version, stir in rock sugar to taste at the end.
8. Serve the soup warm; eat the ingredients as well.

Bro Niu’s tips

This soup is also beneficial for hepatitis patients. It works equally well as a savory or sweet preparation — simply add lean pork for savory, or rock sugar for sweet. Keep in mind that dried persimmons are quite high in sugar, so diabetics should avoid this recipe entirely. Do not combine persimmons with crab (a traditional food incompatibility).

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Jia Qian): I have internal hemorrhoids with bleeding and it keeps recurring despite Western medicine. Is there a simple remedy? Bro Niu: Pagoda flower buds (huai hua) are very helpful for both rectal bleeding and internal hemorrhoid bleeding. Buy some, take about 1 tablespoon, place in a tea bag and brew as a tea. Drink for 3–4 doses and see if the bleeding improves.

• Q (Jia Qian): Can I drink pagoda flower bud tea regularly for long-term hemorrhoid management, or only when bleeding? Bro Niu: Generally, pagoda flower bud tea is drunk when hemorrhoid bleeding occurs to help stop it.

• Q (Jia Qian): I tend to run cold. How can I reduce the cooling nature of pagoda flower tea? Bro Niu: Tangerine peel (chen pi) has a warming nature — just add a little to the brew and it will moderate the cooling effect.

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Published October 23, 2022 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.